Middlesbrough v Crystal Palace predicted line-ups and match preview

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The pressure could increase on Alan Pardew if Crystal Palace are defeated at Middlesbrough this weekend.

To be played on Saturday 10th September 2016 at 15:00. Venue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough

Odds: Middlesbrough 6/5, Draw 21/10, C. Palace 27/10

Middlesbrough have adapted well to life back in the Premier League and will be aiming to take advantage of a vulnerable Crystal Palace side at the Riverside this weekend.

Aitor Karanka’s men are still undefeated and sit sixth going into the match. Boro look sound defensively having conceded just twice so far, whilst at the other end Christan Stuani and Alvaro Negredo are already off the mark for the season.

Newly-promoted teams target home games such as this one as prime opportunities to pick up valuable points, and Middlesbrough are no different; Karanka will have identified this as a match that his side are more than capable of winning.

Adama Traore – signed from Aston Villa on deadline day with Albert Adomah going the other way – is set to feature in the squad for the hosts, as is Arsenal loanee Calum Chambers. Victor Valdes could return in goal after making a good recovery from a hamstring injury.

Only Scott Dann’s last-gasp equaliser against Bournemouth last time out saved Crystal Palace from going into the international break goalless and pointless. Worryingly for Palace fans, it seems as if their poor form that spoiled the second half of last season has continued into this campaign, but of course it is still early days.

Christian Benteke made his Palace debut a fortnight ago, and the pressure is on the big-money signing to fire the goals that will take the Eagles away from trouble, particularly with fellow summer signing Loic Remy ruled out of up to two months.

Midfield duo Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur have both suffered from groin strains but are set to feature this weekend, whilst Bakary Sako could also be in contention for a place in the squad.